Granite Fabricator, Granite Supplier—What’s The Difference?
It surprises me how many direct residential customers are confused when it comes to granite fabricators and granite suppliers. Some customers may go directly to a supplier to select their granite slabs, not knowing that they also need to select a fabricator.
Suppliers typically carry a large number of granite slabs, as well as other stone material such as marble, onyx, soapstone, etc. Their warehouses are open to the general public for viewing and selecting material. Most suppliers also have showroom areas with granite countertop displays, as well as samples. Customers can visit a supplier to make color selections and tag their name on the material, but the actual material is purchased through a fabricator. Fabricators can work either directly with the customer, or with their remodeler, builder, architect, designer, etc.
While many granite fabricators have showrooms and carry stock material, most also have a fabrication facility that contains various equipment such as bridge saws (for cutting the stone), edge polishing equipment (for polishing edges of the material), CNC mills (for cutting and polishing undermount sinks, and curve piece), hand-tool stations (for touching up edges, smoothing, etc.), honing equipment (for honing material), etc. A fabricator also is responsible for supplying a bid that most likely will include pricing for material, measuring, fabrication, delivery, and installation. Once your cabinets are in place, a measure time can be set with your fabricator. Typically, a fabricator will have a measuring tech come out to make drawings, or templates, which are then used for the fabrication process, which includes cutting the stone to your cabinet specifications. Once the pieces are cut, cut-outs are made as needed, and edges are polished. When it is time for installation, the pieces are loaded on to the installation truck, delivered to your house, set in place, and secured.
If you have any questions related to fabricating, or want more information on which suppliers you can visit, please give us a call. We are happy to help.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite on September 17th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
